If there was any misgivings bothering on the desirability or otherwise governorship rotation among the three major Senatorial zones in Enugu, it was the nepotism which was believed to have reared its ugly head following the initial implementation of the rotational process. The perception that the zone calling the shot at the Lion Building will attempt to corner spoils of office for sure to the exclusion of other zones have always agitated the mind of political stakeholders. People won’t just come to terms in their thinking that they would be mere spectators of government for 16 years before their voices are heard. But that is the warped minds of political actors. But is this thinking real or mere perception? While one might be tempted to agree to some extent of this perception, one might equally be bold to assert that it is not totally true for all cases especially with the present administration.
Yes in the past, projects and critical developments were often concentrated in the incumbent governor’s zone while the other two looked on in the hope that their turn will come eventually.
It is however important to stress that seven years down the road in the administration of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, equity and fairness has remained the defining principles of his administration in the distribution of dividends of democracy to the good people of Enugu State. He detests government of exclusion under any guise. And this was why upon his assumption of office, he made a solemn pledge to the people to be their leader irrespective of Zonal or clannish considerations.
He cites projects equitably. He distributes democracy dividends with every sense of fairness. Enugu North, East and West could not in all fairness to Ugwuanyi deny the heavy presence of government impact. Ugwuanyi has since earned the sobriquet of “Umunna wezue aku” “Enye ndi ebea, enye ndi ebea” transliterated to mean “Let the wealth of the society go round – no zone should be left behind”.
Today, Ndi Enugu has a governor who is from Enugu state, and not from a particular senatorial district. Ultra modern sports stadiums have been cited in Enugu West and North zones, roads have been constructed across the entire 17 Local government areas. Every community in the local councils has felt the innovative leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ugwuanyi.
The cosmopolitan nature of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has in no small measure contributed to the success of equity and fairness in the distribution of basic amenities across the divides of the state.
Initial community development grant were given to traditional rulers across the state. Link roads were constructed across the rural areas to open up the hinterlands. Economy of the entire state has witnessed massive boost despite the global and national economy undergoing perennial stress. By his rural development master plan, Gov. Ugwuanyi discouraged the negative indices of rural-urban migration among the people.
All secondary schools across the 17 LGAs were given facelifts. To pupils in all the primary schools within the state Her Excellency, the wife of the Governor has administered dewormimg pills against helminths which are the most common cause of gastroenteritis among little children.
At least one ICT resource center was built in all the three senatorial zones. Agriculture was given a boost with subsidy given to farmers on nitrogenous fertilizers. Retirees are happy, wishing that his tenure never ends. Their entitlements comes in due time. Investors take advantage of the enabling environment and ease-of-doing business in the state since inception of Ugwuanyi’s administration to establish businesses.
But above all, his ability to enthrone harmonious political atmosphere in the state is legendary. He made himself a father for all. He opened his doors wider for every Enugu man/woman irrespective of party affiliation. As a cosmopolitan leader, he has deleted the usual angst, animosity and bickering from Enugu’s political dictionary.
Just this Friday, he inaugurated 34 model Customary Courts simultaneously across 17 LGAs. A rare feat. At the inauguration ceremony, he disclosed that his administration has provided modern courtrooms properly equipped to ensure conducive atmosphere for efficient dispensation of justice.
His government has within the last six years created two additional Judicial divisions and six additional Magisterial districts to decongest courts for timely dispensation of justice.
These landmark projects are in addition to the building and equipping of 24 Magistrate Courts (16 of which are brand new) as well as the construction of 34 brand new model Customary Courts (two per local government) across the 17 local government areas of the state.
Posterity will be kind to record that once walked in our clime, a gentleman whose people reaped the goodness of his leadrship credentials as a governor. Rt. Hon. Ugwuanyi has inscribed his name in gold.
Enugu is in the hand of God!
Hon. Mrs .Bibian Anekwe
The Senior Special Assistant on Empowerment and mobilization to Enugu State Governor.
Director General (DG) .. ENUGU DI N’AKACHUKWU MOVEMENT
